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Thread: Anyone Own a Campervan?

  1. #1
    Craftsman
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    Anyone Own a Campervan?

    I’m seriously considering a VW California Ocean to replace my wife’s car when the time comes. I’ve been doing a lot of research into the ‘Van Life’ scene and it really appeals. I just wondered if anyone on here has a camper as I’m interested in other peoples’ experiences and hints/tips.

    Thanks,

    Martin

  2. #2
    Master
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    You'll want to pick up the new Haynes Book 'Van Life' then. - Two reasons; It's very good and my brother in law wrote it!

    I've never actually camped in one before but I used to convert Bongo's and Suzuki Carry's into campers. It's a great community and a brilliant way of life.

    It does mean pooing in a plastic toilet not three foot from where you make your bacon sandwiches though!

  3. #3
    I have a 2015 California SE (=Ocean). If it is replacing a car I would consider the Beach. Ocean is a camper van with fridge, sink and cooker. Beach is more a multi-purpose vehicle, a large people carrier that can be used as a camper van. You can always use a Campingaz stove. Having said that, a neighbour has an Ocean as their only family car. Very expensive, but very strong residuals. VWCC is a good forum to join, far less argumentative than here, although occasional my Cali is better than you Cali spat.


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  4. #4

    Anyone Own a Campervan?

    Quote Originally Posted by Dave O'Sullivan View Post
    You'll want to pick up the new Haynes Book 'Van Life' then. - Two reasons; It's very good and my brother in law wrote it!

    I've never actually camped in one before but I used to convert Bongo's and Suzuki Carry's into campers. It's a great community and a brilliant way of life.

    It does mean pooing in a plastic toilet not three foot from where you make your bacon sandwiches though!
    Had a Bongo it was fun. Bought it, toured around Europe, sold it for not much less. Great for one, then with two begins to get a little cramped if the weather is poor. It was old but the electro-hydraulic roof was faultless. My relatively new Cali has failed twice.


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  5. #5
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    I've got a Bongo but I'm unsociable so probably not the best person to ask regarding the "scene". Quite frankly there's a lot of selfish campers out there which ruins a great experience. Just be careful getting a VW. You'll pay a lot because of the badge for a van which isn't really any better than other manufacturers.

  6. #6
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    I’ve got a T5 that I converted myself, they are great and drive ver car like. Ask away I’ve been doing this for some years now.

  7. #7

    Anyone Own a Campervan?

    Quote Originally Posted by spud767 View Post
    I've got a Bongo but I'm unsociable so probably not the best person to ask regarding the "scene". Quite frankly there's a lot of selfish campers out there which ruins a great experience. Just be careful getting a VW. You'll pay a lot because of the badge for a van which isn't really any better than other manufacturers.
    True, but the finishing on the factory built Cali is very good and residuals strong (Rolex of camper van world). The Bongo was fun, but a conversion and shoddy in comparison. I’m about the most unsociable person there is and avoid meets, that sort of thing. I do like staying on farms though.


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    Last edited by BillyCasper; 3rd March 2019 at 22:40.

  8. #8
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    I don't doubt the conversions maybe nicer but the vans are no more reliable than other manufacturers.

  9. #9
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    I have a T5 California SE which we use as our main vehicle and I’d thourgly recommend it. They are pricey but the ability to go away at the drop of a hat is priceless. I keep mine fully kitted which costs a little more in fuel weight day to day but not noticeably so. I’ve had mine for about 18 months and have toured the UK extensively and had a holiday to the South of France. Driving the Cali through the Monte Carlo Grand Prix tunnel was a particular highlight.

    I went for the Cali as the residuals were good and I preferred something factory built rather than relying on a conversion, not that there’s anything wrong with a conversion, just not my preference.

    Can’t say much about the ‘scene’ as I don’t really partake in it, suffice to say it appears to be vibrant and varied. I wave at othe Campervan owners all the time if that’s anything to go by.

    There are many downsides I’m sure but they seem less significant when you have one. Off the top of my head I would say if it is going to be used as a daily drive remember it is a van after all so it may not fit into multi story car parks here and there. I’m also a little precious about mine given how much it cost me which can be stressful leaving it in a supermarket car park and coming back to find a parking ding. On the whole I thouragly enjoy mine and have not regretted my decision one bit.

    Good luck!
    Last edited by cessna152; 3rd March 2019 at 23:07.

  10. #10
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    Interesting replies guys. Whilst the residuals are strong, I have to admit to feeling that the Cali is overpriced. If I got a good deal on one it would probably be the preferred option although I do like the look of a new conversion such as this one:

    https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...KSWAGEN&page=1

    Any ideas what the most significant downsides would be to buying something like the above against a factory Cali?

    Whilst we aren’t snobs, we are a bit unsure of (my wife especially) what the washing and toilet facilities are like on the campsites in the UK and Europe - I refer in particular to the cleanliness. Many of the YouTube videos show some great sites but the thought of vile toilets/shower blocks would be enough to put me right off.

  11. #11
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    I’ve a ‘77 T2 and while it’s a cool fun weekend day trip kind of vehicle with a great social scene, it’s pretty poor as a serious camper, it’s even worse to drive, noisy, really uneconomical, slow,cold and probably lethal in any kind of collision. I think it’s known as character.
    Wouldn’t be without it though, kids have had great memories in it.
    Cheers..
    Jase

  12. #12
    Grand Master Chris_in_the_UK's Avatar
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    We have a T5.1 conversion - love it!.

    When you look long into an abyss, the abyss looks long into you.........

  13. #13
    Quote Originally Posted by MTM84 View Post
    Interesting replies guys. Whilst the residuals are strong, I have to admit to feeling that the Cali is overpriced. If I got a good deal on one it would probably be the preferred option although I do like the look of a new conversion such as this one:

    https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...KSWAGEN&page=1

    Any ideas what the most significant downsides would be to buying something like the above against a factory Cali?

    Whilst we aren’t snobs, we are a bit unsure of (my wife especially) what the washing and toilet facilities are like on the campsites in the UK and Europe - I refer in particular to the cleanliness. Many of the YouTube videos show some great sites but the thought of vile toilets/shower blocks would be enough to put me right off.
    Look at both a factory built California and conversions. Bilbos are very good.

    Compare power of engines (conversions based on commercial vans can be a bit puny, I think the lowest Cali is 150PS), transmission, quality of cabinet work, materials (lots of laminated particle board is used for conversions) how it is cut, is assembled together and how securely it is fitted. There is some very shoddy work. How waste water is handled. The gas compartment of a California is very secure. My Bongo conversion was ropey in comparison. The simplicity of the power and control panel. Again the Zig unit on my Bongo was a pain. Much prefer the top loading fridge of a California, you can get to it when the bed is down and the contents don't roll all over the place. The storage of things like tables and chairs is pretty neat in the California compared to a conversion. Compare the top beds. It's very high quality in a California.

    I looked at both, there is a huge choice of conversions. I bought a 18 month vehicle from VW in the end for a price that I didn't think was too bad compared to a conversion.

    California's are not faultless. VW are not that good generally. I've had two failures of the electro-hydraulic roof. They also have an issue with galvanic corrosion of the roof where steel meets aluminium. It's not penetrating corrosion, but does bubble the paint which is unacceptable to owners of such an expensive vehicle. VW has a massive waiting list for repairs. My hasn't experienced this yet.

    You might want to also look at the Mercedes Marco Polo.

    Buy in Autumn/Winter, sell in Spring/early Summer.

    Toilets - Finland.

    Last edited by BillyCasper; 4th March 2019 at 22:38.

  14. #14
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    I made sure that mine was fitted with everything that a California Ocean has fitted although mine has a manual roof. My main concern with A conversion was finding a company to do all the work that I trusted. I opted to do the work myself with a few companies doing the jobs I couldn’t or wouldn’t, I do have friends who do conversions as a hobby.
    Mine came in at a over half the cost of a California and huge saving over a full conversion. I do know a few conversion companies that I’d trust now but it’s a bit late.

    Here’s mine, and a link to the conversion process.



    https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.p...sion-completed
    Last edited by DiXoN; 4th March 2019 at 23:24.

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by Chris_in_the_UK View Post
    We have a T5.1 conversion - love it!.
    That’s very nice, do you have any interior pictures and does it get a lot of use ?

    We have looked at them previously but could not justify one cost wise.

  16. #16

    Anyone Own a Campervan?

    http://www.volksworldshows.com/volks-world-show-home

    Later this month. I’m sure there will be vans there both factory built and camper conversions. I’m also sure the owners would only be too glad to let you have a close look.


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  17. #17
    Grand Master Chris_in_the_UK's Avatar
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    I will post interior pic's.

    Additionally, some stuff to consider.

    The official VW stuff is based on a LHD vehicle which means the sliding side door opens on the road side of the vehicle and not a great idea.

    Some of the higher HP engines have had issues with the EGR degrading and being ingested into the engine - lots of info on the net, in our experience the 103hp is perfectly adequate.

    A night heater is a worthy addition.

    Fridge, 2 burner hob and sink are pretty easy to spec. and we use them all the time when away. Small porta potty is great for wild camping and also a water tank (ours is small, 50 litres, but useful. Rear doors are a matter of debate - ours has 'barn doors' as it was originally a van, the tailgate has its fans.

    Mains hook up socket and internal control panel is worth it's weight in gold - factor in a decent 4 stroke portable generator for redundancy.
    When you look long into an abyss, the abyss looks long into you.........

  18. #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by Chris_in_the_UK View Post
    We have a T5.1 conversion - love it!.


    Looks great - thanks for posting a pic!

    Quote Originally Posted by BillyCasper View Post
    Look at both a factory built California and conversions. Bilbos are very good.

    Compare power of engines (conversions based on commercial vans can be a bit puny, I think the lowest Cali is 150PS), transmission, quality of cabinet work, materials (lots of laminated particle board is used for conversions) how it is cut, is assembled together and how securely it is fitted. There is some very shoddy work. How waste water is handled. The gas compartment of a California is very secure. My Bongo conversion was ropey in comparison. The simplicity of the power and control panel. Again the Zig unit on my Bongo was a pain. Much prefer the top loading fridge of a California, you can get to it when the bed is down and the contents don't roll all over the place. The storage of things like tables and chairs is pretty neat in the California compared to a conversion. Compare the top beds. It's very high quality in a California.

    I looked at both, there is a huge choice of conversions. I bought a 18 month vehicle from VW in the end for a price that I didn't think was too bad compared to a conversion.

    California's are not faultless. VW are not that good generally. I've had two failures of the electro-hydraulic roof. They also have an issue with galvanic corrosion of the roof where steel meets aluminium. It's not penetrating corrosion, but does bubble the paint which is unacceptable to owners of such an expensive vehicle. VW has a massive waiting list for repairs. My hasn't experienced this yet.

    You might want to also look at the Mercedes Marco Polo.

    Buy in Autumn/Winter, sell in Spring/early Summer.

    Toilets - Finland.

    Thanks for the info - very informative. I’ll definitely have a look at Bilbos. I’ve had a look at the Marco Polo and whilst it’s stunning, it’s too expensive for me at £53ish before options. I’ll be sure to consider the points you’ve raised however whilst looking at different conversions.

    In terms of the roof, I did wonder what would happen if the system failed - I assume it has a manual override system to get you mobile?

    Quote Originally Posted by DiXoN View Post
    I made sure that mine was fitted with everything that a California Ocean has fitted although mine has a manual roof. My main concern with A conversion was finding a company to do all the work that I trusted. I opted to do the work myself with a few companies doing the jobs I couldn’t or wouldn’t, I do have friends who do conversions as a hobby.
    Mine came in at a over half the cost of a California and huge saving over a full conversion. I do know a few conversion companies that I’d trust now but it’s a bit late.

    Here’s mine, and a link to the conversion process.



    https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.p...sion-completed
    That’s a brilliant job you’ve done there - well done! Unfortunately, the will is there but my capabilities are limited.

    Quote Originally Posted by BillyCasper View Post
    http://www.volksworldshows.com/volks-world-show-home

    Later this month. I’m sure there will be vans there both factory built and camper conversions. I’m also sure the owners would only be too glad to let you have a close look.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Thanks, I’ll check that out in more detail!

    Quote Originally Posted by Chris_in_the_UK View Post
    I will post interior pic's.

    Additionally, some stuff to consider.

    The official VW stuff is based on a LHD vehicle which means the sliding side door opens on the road side of the vehicle and not a great idea.

    Some of the higher HP engines have had issues with the EGR degrading and being ingested into the engine - lots of info on the net, in our experience the 103hp is perfectly adequate.

    A night heater is a worthy addition.

    Fridge, 2 burner hob and sink are pretty easy to spec. and we use them all the time when away. Small porta potty is great for wild camping and also a water tank (ours is small, 50 litres, but useful. Rear doors are a matter of debate - ours has 'barn doors' as it was originally a van, the tailgate has its fans.

    Mains hook up socket and internal control panel is worth it's weight in gold - factor in a decent 4 stroke portable generator for redundancy.
    Really useful - thank you.

  19. #19
    Yes the roof can be brought down in an emergency by releasing the hydraulic pressure.

    New Bilbos are as expensive as new California’s. And yes brand new California’s and Marco Polos are horrendously expensive.

    A way of saving money is not to have a new van. Quite a few converters use commercial vans, couple of years old with 20-40,000 miles. Just run in.

    There were a couple of converters using furniture grade beech ply instead of particle board. I thought the pictures of these looked stylish. Cambee was one.






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  20. #20
    I bought a van about 7 years ago..couldn't afford a VW so went looking at Bongos but stumbled across the Toyota Granvia at a dealer who specialised in smaller vans. Great van, slightly longer and wider than the Bongo and you can step between the two front seats, 3 litre TD land cruiser engine. They were originally sold as people carriers in Japan and based on the Pro ace...I picked mine up from a dealer down in Lancashire who imported the van then converted it. Although mine is an N reg its only had 7 years worth of Scottish winters with salt on the roads (dealer rust proofed it)..for its age its brilliant, old school sturdy Japanese and the engine is a peach. We've had lots of great holidays with the kids and I happily use it as a second car or transport for my own adventures on weekend saway running or biking. Cost me approx. £13.5k back then and I doubt its lost too much value...nothing has gone wrong and parts are cheap. Although I do love the latest VW models and all nice and shiny its an awful lot of cash when you could prob get a sorted older van for about £10k if you know what to look for...anyway, best of luck with your search, get a copy of the cool camping guide and have a great time

  21. #21
    BTW..these guys have a great reputation and offer alternatives...such as Hyundai and Ford (yhey used to convert the Granvia too)

    https://wellhouseleisure.com/

  22. #22
    Master
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    We have a VW T6 camper which we converted ourselves.

    I don’t believe VWs are intrinsically any better than other similar vans, but demand is higher, there is loads of support and parts for conversions, and residuals are high.

    Our build is here: https://www.t6forum.com/threads/t6-s...er-build.5858/

    Loads of great advice on the T6 forum.

    Pete

  23. #23
    Craftsman maxwellwd's Avatar
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    Check out these guys, will build you what you want. Excellent service and quality and also price

    https://teahupoo.co.uk/

    No affiliation, just know someone who went through the process

  24. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by MTM84 View Post
    That’s a brilliant job you’ve done there - well done! Unfortunately, the will is there but my capabilities are limited
    Thanks, If you do look at a converted van seeing how one is done gives a good idea of what to look for underneath the shiny bits.

  25. #25
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    Anyone Own a Campervan?

    We’ve been considering a van too, and finally settled on an alternative (more on that shortly!).

    We viewed many, many vans, both VW original Cali’s and conversions. The quality of conversion varies hugely. The main drawback we saw with many conversions was the inability to slide the rear seat forward. Dining was at best uncomfortable and at worst impossible in some. Try both of you sitting as if you’re eating at the table. Seems like a common lack of foresight!

    We also viewed the Marco Polo which felt far superior to the VW, and although pricey, it works out similar or actually less expensive than a decent new Cali. The VW always felt a little utilitarian (compared to an Audi Q5 admittedly).

    The other reason we didn’t go for it was because it’d be our sole vehicle, so a few occasional drawbacks.

    The main reasons we didn’t go for it though were price and flexibility. A half decent van was a decent amount of money. Genuine Cali’s were realistically out of our budget. The other biggy was that we like to move around a lot. So when we get to the Lakes, we drive each day for hikes. It just felt like faff to pack everything away and leave the pitch each time.

    So we did something I never thought we’d consider, and bought this!

    Great residuals, well made, more usable space than in a van, excellent storage, fixed comfy bed (we’ve added a memory foam mattress), cooker, heater, 70 litre fridge. For us it just works, and with the extra warmth it’ll extend our camping season right up to winter. Also very light and tows great. Oh and it was about 20% of the price of a nice van! Only downside is I have to drive slower on the motorway, but you can’t have it all I suppose...

    Best idea of scale is next to the car. It’s small but surprisingly spacious inside.

    Am I the only caravanner on TZ? Maybe that’s another thread!....









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  26. #26
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    Lots of food for thought and links to look at...thanks all!

    A VW dealer in Glasgow returned my call today and I learned that a 10 year PCP is offered on the Cali. That said, some of the figures mentioned were ludicrous. They have an Ocean on site with an RRP of £60k+ with a few grand off. Personally, there is no way on this earth I’d spend that amount, even if I could afford it!


    I think they start at £53k before options with a discount available through the likes of CarWow. Apparently, their latest customer is spending £700ish a month, with £12k down which sounds like madness to me. I don’t mind spending iro £500-600 for a Cali but that is my limit. If that isn’t doable then I’d happy look at alternatives.

  27. #27
    Master
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    We bought a T4 last year which I'm converting into more of a day van than a camper although I've put a full width smart bed in it we won't be putting a permanent sink, cooker in it. We have a portable little cooker for when we need it and sinks at the campsites.

    It's all comprises. As we use ours mostly as a car I didn't want to be transporting all the weight of cupboards, cookers, bottles etc all the time. the good thing about transporters is they can go and park where a car can.

    I think in the future I would be looking more at something like a citreon relay type camper with a high top. A lot more practical for camping and not much bigger than a transporter.

    Anyway we stayed up North Wales when that lovely weather was here. We had a great time. Here we are up the horse shoe pass


  28. #28
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    Well I visited my local VW Commercial dealer today, knowing they were closed but keen to have a look at an Ocean they said they had outside.

    Sure enough, there it was and...I felt really quite underwhelmed. I’ve been doing a fair bit of research online and have liked what I’ve seen but when I saw a silver one in the metal today, priced at over £53k it looked a bit....plain/ordinary. Now it probably didn’t help that it was bucketing down and freezing cold so perhaps I need to see it undercover and get inside to have a good look at the bigger picture.

    Whilst I’m much more taken with the looks of some new Transporter conversions online, the full VW warranty on the van as well as the area of habitation, really appeals as does the vast dealer network in the EU. That said, I’m still at an early stage but good to finally see one in the metal

  29. #29
    Following this thread with interest..

    I've just bought a Ford Transit Custom for the purpose of dive trips and mountain biking. Had the inside insulated and carpeted last week along with a window in the sliding door and a bonded waterproof floor. Going back for further work next week. Looking to add some sort of sleeping platform with pull-out storage underneath for the odd overnight 'wild camping'.


  30. #30
    Grand Master Chris_in_the_UK's Avatar
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    The thing with custom conversions is you have effectively a blank canvas.

    The base vehicle will still be warrantied if it's young enough.

    We went for Bentley stitched leather seats - both front seats have armrests and they swivel into the rear.

    Cabin has a night heater - well worth having. Portaloo in small cupboard, fridge and double hob/sink and grill.


    [IMG][/IMG]

    [IMG][/IMG]

    [IMG][/IMG]

    [IMG][/IMG]
    When you look long into an abyss, the abyss looks long into you.........

  31. #31
    Quote Originally Posted by MTM84 View Post
    Well I visited my local VW Commercial dealer today, knowing they were closed but keen to have a look at an Ocean they said they had outside.

    Sure enough, there it was and...I felt really quite underwhelmed. I’ve been doing a fair bit of research online and have liked what I’ve seen but when I saw a silver one in the metal today, priced at over £53k it looked a bit....plain/ordinary. Now it probably didn’t help that it was bucketing down and freezing cold so perhaps I need to see it undercover and get inside to have a good look at the bigger picture.

    Whilst I’m much more taken with the looks of some new Transporter conversions online, the full VW warranty on the van as well as the area of habitation, really appeals as does the vast dealer network in the EU. That said, I’m still at an early stage but good to finally see one in the metal
    You need to get inside both types, feel them, see how things work, compare the up and down beds, the rock and roll beds versatilities, the beds in terms of rear storage capacity and travel along the rails to shift the seat so you can haul loads.


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  32. #32
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    We felt the same as you once we sat in the VW. Go and sit in the Mercedes Marco Polo and you can see and feel the difference. Just a shame there are no older ones out there which have started to bring the price down.


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  33. #33
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    Quote Originally Posted by Chris_in_the_UK View Post
    The thing with custom conversions is you have effectively a blank canvas.

    The base vehicle will still be warrantied if it's young enough.

    We went for Bentley stitched leather seats - both front seats have armrests and they swivel into the rear.

    Cabin has a night heater - well worth having. Portaloo in small cupboard, fridge and double hob/sink and grill.


    [IMG][/IMG]

    [IMG][/IMG]

    [IMG][/IMG]

    [IMG][/IMG]
    Looks great! Thanks for posting!

    Quote Originally Posted by BillyCasper View Post
    You need to get inside both types, feel them, see how things work, compare the up and down beds, the rock and roll beds versatilities, the beds in terms of rear storage capacity and travel along the rails to shift the seat so you can haul loads.

    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    know...have a couple of weeks off at Easter so will investigate further then.


    Quote Originally Posted by IdiotAbroad View Post
    We felt the same as you once we sat in the VW. Go and sit in the Mercedes Marco Polo and you can see and feel the difference. Just a shame there are no older ones out there which have started to bring the price down.


    Sent from my iPhone using TZ-UK mobile app
    £60k upwards? Significantly over my budget I’m afraid but from th videos I’ve watched, they do look lovely.

  34. #34
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    We started out with a VW T25, an older style one. It was a hightop, with sleeping for the kids in the top and a rock and roll bed for us.
    I will be honest, it was great as it got us into it, but it was way too small. It had a porta potti that was stored under our bed. Getting up in the night, having to put our bed away to for someone to use the toilet just sucked.

    You have to have an awning (full one) to make the camping work as the van is only big enough to sleep in and nothing else.

    As we didn't need it as a vehicle as well, we opted to sell it and get a full size motorhome. This works so much better for us and we have had some fantastic holidays in it.

  35. #35
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    [/QUOTE]

    £60k upwards? Significantly over my budget I’m afraid but from th videos I’ve watched, they do look lovely.[/QUOTE]

    And sadly ours too! I meant like for like, stepping from a £53k Cali in to a £53k Merc you’ll be astonished at the difference.


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  36. #36
    Note that you are in Scotland. Have you investigated

    https://fourseasonscampers.com/about-us-luxury-camping/

    Hire and sell VW conversions, although I have no experience of them.

    Second hand Cali sales

    https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/classif...icles-for-sale

    Gives you an idea for price comparison purposes if you haven’t already found this page.


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  37. #37
    Master
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    An interesting thread.

  38. #38
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    Hiring one for a weekend is probably not a bad idea either, in fact I think some places let you hire one and then the value of the hire is taken off the price if you buy the van. It’ll give you a realistic idea of usable space, driving, and so on before you commit.


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  39. #39
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    Quote Originally Posted by IdiotAbroad View Post
    Hiring one for a weekend is probably not a bad idea either, in fact I think some places let you hire one and then the value of the hire is taken off the price if you buy the van. It’ll give you a realistic idea of usable space, driving, and so on before you commit.


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    Definitely - I know what you mean re like for like. I think I’ll avoid looking at the MB for fear of putting myself off the VW.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by BillyCasper View Post
    Note that you are in Scotland. Have you investigated

    https://fourseasonscampers.com/about-us-luxury-camping/

    Hire and sell VW conversions, although I have no experience of them.

    Second hand Cali sales

    https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/classif...icles-for-sale

    Gives you an idea for price comparison purposes if you haven’t already found this page.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Thanks very much - I’ll have a look at those links just now.

  40. #40
    Craftsman
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    Quote Originally Posted by BillyCasper View Post
    Note that you are in Scotland. Have you investigated

    https://fourseasonscampers.com/about-us-luxury-camping/

    Hire and sell VW conversions, although I have no experience of them.

    Second hand Cali sales

    https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/classif...icles-for-sale

    Gives you an idea for price comparison purposes if you haven’t already found this page.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Four Seasons looks brilliant and I’m highly likely to book with them now! Thanks for that.

  41. #41

  42. #42
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    Quote Originally Posted by MTM84 View Post
    Four Seasons looks brilliant and I’m highly likely to book with them now! Thanks for that.
    A couple of weeks hiring one of them in high season would be pricey, possible even more than just buying one and then selling again when done ?

  43. #43
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    Quote Originally Posted by DA56 View Post
    A couple of weeks hiring one of them in high season would be pricey, possible even more than just buying one and then selling again when done ?

    Buying a Campervan to stay in for a couple of weeks and then selling it on? Have you lost your mind? Lol

    £350 to hire one for a few nights - should give us an immediate idea if it’s our thing.

  44. #44
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by MTM84 View Post
    Buying a Campervan to stay in for a couple of weeks and then selling it on? Have you lost your mind? Lol

    £350 to hire one for a few nights - should give us an immediate idea if it’s our thing.
    A pal of mine rents from Rockin Vans in Hurlford, Kilmarnock area.

  45. #45
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    Quote Originally Posted by johny View Post
    A pal of mine rents from Rockin Vans in Hurlford, Kilmarnock area.
    Thanks for the heads up - good to have more than one recommendation.

  46. #46
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    Have a look at this company too, they’ve been going for some time and have a high end finish using quality components.

    They are called Celtic Motorhomes

    http://www.vwt6conversions.co.uk/conversion-prices

  47. #47
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    What can be done at the ‘budget’ end of the scale? £6k ish?

    Ben

  48. #48
    Quote Originally Posted by DiXoN View Post
    Have a look at this company too, they’ve been going for some time and have a high end finish using quality components.

    They are called Celtic Motorhomes

    http://www.vwt6conversions.co.uk/conversion-prices
    Thanks, that's a really interesting website as it itemises the individual aspects of a conversion, which should help place a random second-hand camper on a price scale. I never realised the pop top, for example, was such an expensive aspect of the conversion. Good stuff

    Quote Originally Posted by Wolfie View Post
    What can be done at the ‘budget’ end of the scale? £6k ish?

    Ben
    My thoughts as well! I hired a Toyota Previa for a week some years back and it was about the only hire car that I didn't want to hand back, out of the many I used to have. For that reason I'm looking at on the Toyota range of conversions but as I hate settling for second best I'm sure it'll end up as a transporter.

  49. #49
    There’s quite an accumulation of knowledge on the forum check out these other thread titles for example

    campers
    Van purchasing advice
    Considering a camper van


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  50. #50
    Quote Originally Posted by Wolfie View Post
    What can be done at the ‘budget’ end of the scale? £6k ish?

    Ben
    https://youtu.be/37pabRCPEZk

    £6k! Why would you want to do that when you could tie up the best part of £50k on the drive for most of the year? (Kidding).

    Long in the tooth but the Bongo was a great base vehicle as it came with a bed and electrically operated roof. Made as a people carrier/leisure vehicle or for travelling salesmen or something like that.

    Later Nissans and Toyotas are now converters favourites.

    I have a friend who is gradually DIY converting a T5 to keep costs down. There are quite a few DIY conversion videos on YouTube.

    You can also keep costs down by questioning whether you need an onboard cooker for example? Make your tea on a little Campingaz burner, BBQ.


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